[Presidential] Monroe, James Printed Privateering Document, signed

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Books and Manuscripts

By Freeman's

May 20, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-05-20 12:00:00 2021-05-20 12:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Books and Manuscripts https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/freemans/books-and-manuscripts-6906
A collection of books and manuscripts. Curated by Darren WInston, Head of the Books and Manuscripts Department at Freeman's. Freeman's info@freemansauction.com

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• Lot Description

  (Washington, D.C.), ca. 1812. One sheet folded to make 4 pp.; 13 1/4 x 8 1/4 in. (336 x 209 mm). Partially-printed document issued at the beginning of the War of 1812, accomplished in a secretarial hand and signed by Monroe as Secretary of State, granting Joseph Kinner of the schooner Gov. Tompkins a letter of marque and reprisal, and containing "Instructions for the Private Armed Vessels of the United States". Creasing from original folds; separating along center fold, a few other small separations along folds; scattered light foxing. Lot includes a printed portrait of Monroe.

  Issued eight days after the beginning of the War of 1812, when the United States declared war against Great Britain, this document was issued by the United States to private vessels and delineates the procedures by which letters of marque and reprisal are issued. It also outlines the conduct vessels should adhere to during the execution of their commission. Toward neutral vessels they were advised to "pay the strictest regard to the rights of neutral powers, and the usages of civilized nations; and in all your proceedings towards neutral vessels, you are to give them as little molestation or interruption as will consist with the right of ascertaining their neutral character..." and when dealing with enemy vessels, "proceed, in exercising the rights of war, with all the justice and humanity which characterize the nation of which you are members."

• Shipping Info

  • No lot may be removed from Freeman’s premises until the buyer has paid in full the purchase price therefor including Buyer’s Premium or has satisfied such terms that Freeman’s, in its sole discretion, shall require. Subject to the foregoing, all Property shall be paid for and removed by the buyer at his/ her expense within ten (10) days of sale and, if not so removed, may be sold by Freeman’s, or sent by Freeman’s to a third-party storage facility, at the sole risk and charge of the buyer(s), and Freeman’s may prohibit the buyer from participating, directly or indirectly, as a bidder or buyer in any future sale or sales. In addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s by law, Freeman’s reserves the right to impose a late charge of 1.5% per month of the total purchase price on any balance remaining ten (10) days after the day of sale. If Property is not removed by the buyer within ten (10) days, a handling charge of 2% of the total purchase price per month from the tenth day after the sale until removal by the buyer shall be payable to Freeman’s by the buyer. Freeman’s will not be responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or otherwise responsible for any goods left in Freeman’s possession after ten (10) days. If the foregoing conditions or any applicable provisions of law are not complied with, in addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s and the Consignor (including without limitation the right to hold the buyer(s) liable for the bid price) Freeman’s, at its option, may either cancel the sale, retaining as liquidated damages all payments made by the buyer(s), or resell the property. In such event, the buyer(s) shall remain liable for any deficiency in the original purchase price and will also be responsible for all costs, including warehousing, the expense of the ultimate sale, and Freeman’s commission at its regular rates together with all related and incidental charges, including legal fees. Payment is a precondition to removal. Payment shall be by cash, certified check or similar bank draft, or any other method approved by Freeman’s. Checks will not be deemed to constitute payment until cleared. Any exceptions must be made upon Freeman’s written approval of credit prior to sale. In addition, a defaulting buyer will be deemed to have granted and assigned to Freeman’s, a continuing security interest of first priority in any property or money of, or owing to such buyer in Freeman’s possession, and Freeman’s may retain and apply such property or money as collateral security for the obligations due to Freeman’s. Freeman’s shall have all of the rights accorded a secured party under the Pennsylvania Uniform Commercial Code.

• Buyer's Premium

  • Hammer Price	Premium (%)
    $0	29.00
    $600,000	23.00
    $3,000,000	15.00